E-WASTE
Definition:
- E-waste refers to discarded and end-of-life electronic products, which include a wide range of items such as computers, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) equipment, home appliances, audio and video products, and their peripherals. These items, once they are no longer functional or are obsolete, are collectively termed as electronic waste (E-waste).
Hazard Potential:
- E-waste is not inherently hazardous if it is properly stored safely, scientifically recycled, or transported in parts or as a whole by the formal sector following appropriate procedures. In such scenarios, it does not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment.
- However, when e-waste is handled using primitive or informal methods of recycling, it becomes hazardous. Unsafe dismantling, open burning, and acid baths—often practiced in the informal sector—release toxic substances and heavy metals, causing pollution and health hazards.
E-Waste: Sources and Health Effects
S. No. | Particulars | Source | Health Effects |
1 | Lead | Used in glass panels & gaskets in computer monitors, solder in printed circuit boards & other components. | · Damages central & peripheral nervous systems, blood, kidneys, reproductive system, endocrine system; impedes brain development in children; accumulates in environment; high acute & chronic effects on biota. |
2 | Cadmium | Found in SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductor chips; older CRTs contain cadmium. | · Accumulates in human body, especially kidneys; highly toxic. |
3 | Mercury | Used in thermostats, sensors, relays, switches, medical equipment, lamps, mobile phones, batteries, flat panel displays. | · Damages brain, kidneys, and foetus; bio-accumulates in food chain as methylmercury via fish. |
4 | Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) | Used as corrosion protector & hardener in steel housings; also present in PVC plastics. | · Damages DNA; extremely toxic to environment. |
5 | Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) | Used in plastic housings of electronic equipment and circuit boards to prevent flammability. | · Toxic to humans & environment; linked to hormone disruption and neurological damage. |
6 | Barium | Found in CRT front panel to protect users from radiation. | · Causes brain swelling, muscle weakness, damage to heart, liver, and spleen (short-term exposure). |
7 | Beryllium | Found on motherboards, finger clips, copper-beryllium alloy used in connectors & tiny plugs. | · Causes lung cancer, skin disease with poor wound healing and wart-like bumps; disease can develop many years after last exposure. |
8 | Toners | Found in plastic printer cartridges (black & color toners: cyan, magenta, yellow). | · Inhalation can irritate respiratory tract; carbon black is possibly carcinogenic; color toners may contain heavy metals. |
9 | Phosphor & Additives | Coating on interior of CRT faceplate; contains cadmium, rare earth metals (e.g., zinc, vanadium). | · Toxic heavy metals; serious hazard to workers dismantling CRTs by hand. |
E-Waste in India
- E-waste refers to discarded and end-of-life electronic products such as computers, ICT equipment, home appliances, audio-video products, and peripherals. According to the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association, India generated about 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. However, there is no comprehensive state-wise inventory of e-waste generation yet. Among Indian cities, Mumbai ranks first in e-waste generation, followed by Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Surat, and Nagpur. Around 65 cities contribute over 60% of total e-waste, while 10 states account for about 70%.
- Most e-waste is recycled in unorganized sectors, which employ many workers using primitive, hazardous techniques. This improper recycling leads to inhalation of toxic gases, skin contact with hazardous substances, and risks from acid treatment during metal recovery.
- A holistic approach involving awareness, cost-effective technology, and integrating unorganized and organized sectors into a single value chain is urgently needed.